Motor swap

[Anonymous]

I found a motor for my 92 MTX but its a 3.2 out of a ATX with low miles and i was told it would fit but not sure cause the 3.0 has two belt drives one for the water pump and power steering and one for the Alt. And A/C compressor and another concern is would it bolt right up to a MTX ???

 

[sperold]

Here is some information on engine swapping from way back in the early 90s, when the idea was at the concept stage.

http://www.wikisho.com/wiki/Engine_Swaps?

I think the modern thinking is to leave the single belt accessory system in place, as it is friendlier to service. And I think that now it is thought that dumping the whole 3.2 engine in place, rather than transferring parts is considered appropriate. I think one of the sensor wires (oil level maybe) has to be lengthened. And it would be wise to swap the intake, and swap the exhaust manifolds.

The one downside is that most of your old 3.0 parts can't be used as spares, the oil pump is different as well as the oil pan, the water pumps are different, the alternators have different outputs, the intake has an EGR hanging off the side and the DIS module in located slightly differently which may make it difficult to connect the wiring, the exhaust manifolds are different, and on and on.

The upside is you have more low end torque, and generally more power due to the 8% increase in size. It most likely will use 8% more fuel.

Not wanting a lot of drama in my life, I would continue looking for a 3.0, as I am totally happy with the performance of the 3.0 as it is. I currently have both, and call me crazy, but I can't tell the difference in performance. I also like having a pile of spare parts around. But that is just me. Surely a 3.0 is not difficult to source, since you are in PA, you should contact Dan Barbush (SV&HOdan) as he is local.

 

[rubydist]

you can swap the two belt system onto the 3.2 and put it in your mtx car. The only difficulty is that there is a boss on the front head that needs to be sawed off to allow the 3.0 alternator to fit.

Having done it, you want to do that sawing with the motor out of the car, and you will like the added torque of the 3.2.

 

[rbruso]

Also, to use the two belt system on a 3.2 you need to use the MTX timing covers. If you go that way you can either swap in a 3.0 oil pump or use the 3.2 oil pump and have a gap in the timing cover on the firewall side.

I detailed what I did when swapping a 3.2 into my '89 here: http://shoforum.com/index.php?threads/89-3-2.126342.

There are several other 3.2 conversion threads around, so just read up and know what needs to be done.

Also, get a fresh set of rod bearings while you have the engine on a stand. And take the extra time to clean everything, swapping in new seals where possible. You'll thank yourself later. Okay, maybe not (as you won't even think about it), but if you don't you'll kick yourself if the rear main starts leaking in a year or two